An essential part of scientific thinking is not only how to use statistics correctly, but also how to identify the misuse of statistics. For this, students should:
A) distrust all statistics from studies with counterintuitive results.
B) integrate statistics with "real-life" issues, such as day care, in order to interpret them.
C) try to replicate the study and see if they get similar results.
D) ask how the statistic was calculated and what data the statistic is based upon.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Students should ask how the statistic was calculated and what data the statistic is based upon to understand if the statistics are valid or if there has been any misuse of statistics. Distrusting all statistics from studies with counterintuitive results is not a productive approach to scientific thinking. Integrating statistics with "real-life" issues is important, but it is not the most important factor in identifying the misuse of statistics. Replicating the study can be a valuable exercise, but it may not always be feasible or practical.

An Essential Part of Scientific Thinking Is Not Only How